The effort to repeal the Issaquah ban on most retail plastic bags did not qualify for the ballot, although the organizer behind the effort said the fight could continue.

The development came days after the city attorney declared the issue closed, after repeal organizers failed to gather enough signatures from Issaquah voters to force a repeal measure.

City officials had asked repeal organizer Craig Keller to provide at least 2,458 signatures for the measure to be sent to King County Elections for validation. Organizers submitted 2,178 signatures — including 124 names determined ineligible and crossed out before organizers submitted the petition sheets — to the city July 5.

To earn the distinction of President’s Distinguished Club, a club must meet at least nine of 10 challenging criteria.

In addition, members Dan Bone, Holly Greenspoon and Madeline Wall recently completed their Competent Communication Manual, which comprises the first 10 Toastmasters speeches, each focusing on development of a specific speaking skill. Upon completion of the Competent Communication Manual, members move into advanced manuals and are eligible for membership in advanced clubs.

Cultural diversity is the theme of this year’s Highlands Day, hosted by the Issaquah Highlands Council.

The annual event that marks the summer kickoff traditionally boasts an American theme. But this year, the council plans to celebrate the great diversity found in the Issaquah community, according to Christy Garrard, special events planner for the council.

“We’re partnering with the Issaquah Arts Commission, Swedish hospital and several other title sponsors to bring a four-hour outdoor festival that highlights different ethnicities and cultures,” she said.

This year’s celebration will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 23. The event takes place in the heart of the Issaquah Highlands at Blakely Hall and Village Green Park. The event is open to the entire community, not just those from the Issaquah Highlands. Read more

Independence Day revelers eager to see the rockets’ red glare in the Issaquah sky must wait at least another year, after City Council members decided against funding a holiday fireworks display.

Councilman Mark Mullet, owner of Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shop and Zeeks Pizza in the Issaquah Highlands, offered to fund a July 3 fireworks display at Tibbetts Valley Park. The proposal fizzled April 16 after other council members raised questions about budget, calendar and space limitations.

The public forum includes the lead backer of the plastic bag legislation, Councilman Mark Mullet, and Robb Krehbiel, a program associate from the nonprofit organization Environment Washington. The forum is meant to educate participants about the impact of discarded plastic bags on Puget Sound wildlife.

The forum runs from 5-6 p.m. at Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shop, 1011 N.E. High St., No. 103. (Mullet is the proprietor of the ice cream shop and Zeeks Pizza.)

Issaquah could join Bellingham, Edmonds, Mukilteo and Seattle to ban plastic bags at local retailers — a step designed to limit garbage headed for the King County landfill and reduce pollution in Puget Sound.

Issaquah Councilman Mark Mullet is embarking on a campaign for the state Senate against incumbent Cheryl Pflug, Issaquah’s representative in the chamber.

Mullet, a Democrat and the proprietor of Zeeks Pizza and Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shop in the Issaquah Highlands, became the latest local candidate to enter a race for state office in recent days.

Pflug, a registered nurse and Maple Valley Republican, intends to run for re-election to the seat.

Mark Mullet

Mullet focused on education and the economy in a pre-announcement interview. He also said the 5th Legislative District needs closer ties among the state senator and city leaders throughout the sprawling district.

In 2004, Pflug, then a state representative, succeeded Dino Rossi in the state Senate; she has been subsequently re-elected.

The field also includes Republican Brad Toft, a Snoqualmie businessman. More candidates could enter the race before the May filing deadline.

Issaquah and other local voters pick the top two candidates, regardless of party affiliation, Aug. 7 in the all-mail primary election.

The former 5th Legislative District posed a challenge to Democrats. The redrawn district debuting in the 2012 election sheds some Issaquah neighborhoods for a more rural — and conservative — character.

Issaquah Councilman Mark Mullet is embarking on a campaign for the state Senate against incumbent Cheryl Pflug, Issaquah’s representative in the chamber.

Mullet, a Democrat and the proprietor of Zeeks Pizza and Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shop in the Issaquah Highlands, became the latest local candidate to enter a race for state office in recent days.

Pflug, a registered nurse and Maple Valley Republican, intends to run for re-election to the seat.

Mullet focused on education and the economy in a pre-announcement interview. He also said the 5th Legislative District needs closer ties among the state senator and city leaders throughout the sprawling district.

In a market saturated with pizza joints, both franchise and local, it really takes that extra something special to stand apart from the crowd. Whether you’re looking for authentic Italian, the biggest pie or just a lunch buffet, Issaquah has something for every discerning palate.

Enter Zeeks Pizza. With 10 regional locations, it still doesn’t qualify as a national chain. So you still get that hometown feel when you walk into its Issaquah Highlands setting.